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SEND Services Failing Our Children?

Raising Awareness: Are Telford and Wrekin's SEND Services Failing Our Children?


As parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the Telford and Wrekin Borough Council area, it is crucial to reflect on the adequacy of the services provided to our children. Recent reports involving other councils, such as Stockton-on-Tees, have highlighted alarming failings in the management of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) - see Special Needs Jungle article: Lies Damned lies and Inadequate Fines

These issues raise significant concerns about whether similar problems could be occurring right here in Telford and Wrekin.


The Stockton-on-Tees Case: A Wake-Up Call

In Stockton-on-Tees, a council was found to have sent misleading letters to nearly 100 families, falsely claiming that annual reviews of EHCPs had been conducted. 

This deception resulted in children missing crucial educational opportunities and support, leading to severe distress for both the children and their families. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) discovered that the council had not only failed to carry out the necessary reviews but had also misled parents about the status of their children's educational provisions. The consequences of these actions were devastating for the affected families, who were left without the support their children needed to thrive in their educational journeys.


Could This Happen in Telford and Wrekin?

Given the high number of SEND parents expressing dissatisfaction in local forums, it is essential to question whether Telford and Wrekin Council is facing similar challenges. 

Are parents and children in our area receiving the support they are entitled to? Are EHCPs being managed effectively, or are families being left in the dark about their children's educational needs?


Your Voice Matters

If you have experienced issues with SEND services in Telford and Wrekin, I invite you to share your experiences. Please feel free to privately message me, Mark Webster, Disabiliy Officer, Telford and Wrekin Green Party, to discuss your concerns and insights.

Together, we can raise awareness and advocate for the necessary changes to ensure our children receive the education and support they genuinely deserve.


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